Neami National, Dubbo Sub-Acute Service & Aboriginal Linkages Program

1. Neami National, Dubbo Sub-Acute Service & Aboriginal Linkages Program Lee Willis Aboriginal Social & Emotional Wellbeing Worker Alex Carr, Emma Nolan, Jesseka Flakelar Aboriginal Trainees Neami National Dubbo

2. Neami National Our vision Full citizenship for all people living with a mental illness in Australian society Our mission Improving mental health and wellbeing in local communities

3. About Neami Neami National is a community-based provider of recovery oriented services Neami supports people with a severe and enduring mental illness to live independently in the community The organisation is characterised by proactive leadership, effective governance and a clear vision.

4. About Neami Neami was established in Victoria in 1987 Expanding to become a national organisation offering a broad range of services Approximately 3,000 individuals are supported by Neami each year across our 35 service sites in 5 states Our services work at a local level to build the relationships in the community that will support consumers to become active and involved within their own communities.

5. Neami service sites SA • Elizabeth • Murray Bridge • Pooraka • Port Adelaide • Prospect • Seacliff WA • Armadale • Joondalup • Perth QLD • Darra • Strathpine VIC • Blackburn • Breaking the Cycle • Briar Hill • Doncaster • Fairfield • Glen Waverley • Heidelberg • Kew • Preston Northern PARCS • Regent • Splash Art Studio • Thomastown NSW Ashfield Bankstown Broken Hill Campbelltown Carrington Darlinghurst Dubbo Hurstville Maitland Pagewood Smithfield Way2Home Assertive Outreach Wollongong

6. Our approach Our approach is geared towards providing: An optimistic view of consumers’ self-determined recovery journey Hope, optimism and choice as critical values that drive Neami Staff behaviours that reflect these values. Neami believes that strong partnerships with carers, consumers, clinicians, employment and education providers and other community organisations is the key to effective service provision.

7. The Collaborative Recovery Model • Central to our approach is facilitating consumer choice within the context of an individual recovery plan. • In 2009, Neami implemented the Collaborative Recovery Model (CRM) • The CRM is a comprehensive, strengths and evidence based approach that was developed by the University of Wollongong.

8. The Collaborative Recovery Model CRM has two guiding principles: 1) Recovery is an individual process Recovery is described as a deeply personal, unique process of changing one’s attitudes, values, feelings, goals, skills and/or roles. It is a way of living a satisfying, hopeful and contributing life. 2) Collaboration and autonomy support Research consistently shows there is a correlation between the strength of the working relationship and mental health outcomes.

9. The Collaborative Recovery Model The introduction of the CRM within Neami ensures the agency’s 400 plus staff have: Consistent approach to recovery Consistent understanding of recovery This is complemented by the employment of peer support workers who deliver Flourish

10. Flourish A self-development group program based on the CRM Values and strengths based program 8 modules delivered over 6 weeks One on one coaching in between group sessions Developing skills of goal setting, positive thinking and mindfulness techniques Uses the tools of Camera, Compass and Map

11. Optimal Health Program Relapse prevention package Facilitated by support workers 8 sessions delivered over 4 weeks, with twice weekly one on one coaching Based on a version of the stress-vulnerability model called the ‘I Can Do’ Model This model looks at the interaction of stressors, coping strategies, vulnerabilities and strengths to build resilience Uses tools such as SMARTER goal setting, health planning and journaling

12. Neami National Services Home and community based outreach Community and group programs Homelessness and housing services Prevention and rehabilitation services Service coordination Partners in Recovery Arts based practice

13. Dubbo Sub-Acute Service Falls under prevention and rehabilitation services Established in 2013 to provide recovery focused sub-acute care to people from Dubbo and surrounding regions 10 bed facility, 6 week residential program Consumers practice life skills; cooking, shopping, cleaning, transport, medication etc. Access to clinical services; registered nurses, social worker, psychologist. Also have regular reviews with a psychiatrist. Strong emphasis on partnerships and ongoing support after exit

14. Dubbo Sub—Acute Service Also offer a non-residential program. This is open to past residential consumers as well as consumers who only wish to use day programs. These day programs include: Cooking Arts and crafts. Education groups. Primary Health Clinic. Goal setting. Spirituality. Flourish and Optimal Health Programs

15. Service development and innovations The employment of health promotion officers in each state. The development of an organisation-wide approach to meeting the needs of clients with a dual diagnosis. The continuation and expansion of our research program. The introduction of a formal sustainability plan Establishing a program to assist clients to do the same. The creation of the Aboriginal Linkages Program.

16. Aboriginal Linkages Program Provides outreach support to Aboriginal communities in Central Western NSW Created in response to the fact that Aboriginal people are typically over-represented in acute inpatient settings and under-represented in community based mental health services

17. Aboriginal Linkages Program Employs an Aboriginal staff, headed by a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Workerto; Ensure that the many diverse Aboriginal communities in Dubbo and surrounding regions are able to access the Centre; Promote knowledge of the Centre as a safe space for Aboriginal people; Develop strong partnerships with communities, service providers and individuals to encourage and facilitate Aboriginal peoples’ access to the service; Assist people to ‘step up’ into the Centre, diverting them from an acute inpatient admission; and work directly with consumers and their families to facilitate successful transitions home; Build capacity within communities to foster better mental health and social and emotional wellbeing.

18. Our vision Full citizenship for all people living with a mental illness in Australian society Our mission Improving mental health and wellbeing in local communities neaminational.org.au Lee Willis, Alex Carr, Emma Nolan, Jesseka Flakelar Neami National Dubbo 6826 8246